Mississippi Kite Bird in Flight: Aerial Acrobatics Over Hay Fields

As we watched the Mississippi Kite birds glide effortlessly over a large hay field, their striking black-and-white plumage glistened in the sunlight. The Swallow-Tailed Kites, with their forked tails, seemed to be scanning below for insects as they soared overhead. It was a breathtaking sight, and one that is not often seen by many bird enthusiasts.

At first glance, it may seem as though all the kites were simply flying around with talons full of hay trailing behind them. However, upon closer inspection, we saw that these birds would suddenly duck their heads to snack on a grasshopper or other insect caught in their talons. This process repeated itself every few minutes, as if they were enjoying a never-ending picnic in the sky.

As we watched, the kites would spread their wings to brake, dropping the last couple of feet before landing with precision. And then, without warning, their heads and tails would twist, and their wings would fold back as they swooped down to just a few feet off the ground. It was an incredible display of agility and control.

The Mississippi Kites are known for their impressive aerial acrobatics, constantly twisting their split tail to adjust to the wind currents. And when we were lucky enough to spot them, it was clear that this was not just a random occurrence – these birds were actively searching for food.

In fact, kites have been known to follow tractors and other machinery as they cut and roll hay, taking advantage of the insects that are stirred up in the process. This strategy didn't work last week, but Greg Harber, field trip leader with Birmingham Audubon, managed to find both types of kites despite the unlikely conditions.

The Mississippi Kite's diet consists mainly of grasshoppers, bees, butterflies, and other insects, as well as lizards. They are not shy about following tractors to capture these insects when they take flight. In fact, August is a great time to spot kites in Central and West Alabama, where hay cutting is common.

For bird enthusiasts looking to catch a glimpse of these amazing birds, there's no better way than to join one of Birmingham Audubon's scheduled field trips in late July and August. These trips take you to locations where the kites are known to congregate, such as Autauga County west of Prattville and Lowndes County.

So if you're looking for an unforgettable birding experience, be sure to check out these field trips and see the Mississippi Kite bird in flight. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss!

Mississippi kite bird in flight